Because
the chimney starts well above ground level the top is
uncomfortably high off the ground. I first constructed a light
glavanised angle iron frame and attached three high tensile wires
to the top of the frame. With Carol's help it was hoisted into
position on top of the corbelled tapered section of the chimney,
and the wires were attached to any convenient anchor points that
came to hand (red lines, picture at right). A couple of layers of
bricks were added to the chimney base to stabilise the base of the
angle iron cage. Then the wires were tightened, with the help of
turnbuckles (see photo below) so that the cage was vertical. After
that it was simply a matter of building up the chimney, the
chimney-in-cage being stable enough to lean a ladder against. It
was tiresome climbing down the ladder and up again with just a few
bricks at a time.

Turnbuckle

If
using wire stays remember that wire can break suddenly if it is
kinked.